Social & Behaviour Change Specialist (NO-3), FT, #00137825

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a culture of belonging and growth among its employees. UNICEF is known for its attractive compensation and benefits package, emphasizing the importance of its work in serving children and communities globally.

Job Overview:
The Social & Behaviour Change (SBC) Specialist position at UNICEF Nepal is pivotal in strengthening the organization's SBC agenda to achieve sustainable results for children and adolescents. The role involves applying behavioral science, social research, data analytics, and community engagement to address inequities and improve outcomes for children. The specialist will lead the design and implementation of innovative, evidence-driven SBC strategies that influence policies, services, social norms, and individual behaviors in both development and humanitarian contexts. This position requires collaboration with government, communities, partners, and UNICEF program teams to promote people-centered approaches that enhance accountability and community participation, especially in the face of climate and humanitarian challenges. The specialist will also be responsible for leading the SBC team, driving organizational learning and innovation, and institutionalizing sustainable SBC approaches within national and sub-national systems, thereby positioning UNICEF Nepal as a leader in evidence-based Social and Behavior Change.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic and technical leadership in applied behavioral science, ensuring that robust social and behavioral evidence informs policies and SBC programming across various contexts.
• Serve as the technical anchor for SBC data, measurement, monitoring, and learning, translating evidence into accountable and results-oriented programming.
• Lead the design and quality assurance of integrated, multisectoral SBC strategies, ensuring that behavioral insights are effectively converted into inclusive and sustainable program interventions.
• Champion innovation and digital SBC approaches, leveraging technology and behavioral insights to enhance scale and impact while managing ethical and data-related risks.
• Strengthen community engagement and accountability systems, ensuring that community voices meaningfully inform program design and implementation.
• Advance SBC through strategic advocacy, partnerships, and resource mobilization, positioning SBC as a core accelerator within national systems and UNICEF programs.
• Build institutional and partner capacity for SBC and systems strengthening, supporting sustainability and resilience through skills development.
• Ensure effective operational coordination and technical oversight, including supervision of consultants and partners, to deliver coherent and high-quality SBC results across sectors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's) in social and behavioral science, sociology, anthropology, communication studies, psychology, or a related field. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience at national and international levels in developing, implementing, evaluating, and managing Social and Behavior Change strategies is required. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in applying social and behavior change science, theories, and research across all stages of the program cycle, as well as experience in managing social research using quantitative, qualitative, and participatory methods. Familiarity with new developments in the SBC field, including behavioral insights and human-centered design, is essential. Candidates should also have experience executing complex priorities and processes in office work plans, and proven ability to work with stakeholders at multiple levels, providing technical support and capacity building.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's) in social and behavioral science, sociology, anthropology, communication studies, psychology, or a related field is required for this position.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience at both national and international levels, specifically in developing, implementing, evaluating, and managing Social and Behavior Change strategies and content. Experience in a low- or middle-income setting, particularly with a multilateral development agency or national NGO, is also required, along with a proven ability to manage social research and engage with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Nepali is required for this position. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is open only to Nepalese nationals. It is a full-time role with a focus on social and behavior change strategies within UNICEF's framework. The role has been assessed as elevated-risk for Child Safeguarding purposes, necessitating additional vetting and assessment. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.